The City’s snow and ice control policy sets standards for snow and ice control, ensuring a safe and reliable transportation network is maintained and the environment is protected.

Priority Clearing System

When it snows, a priority clearing system helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

First Priority

Freeways, arterial roads and business districts are cleared. Protected bike lanes are treated as arterials because of the impact on the mobility of cyclists.

Second Priority

Collector/bus routes, transit Park and Ride access roads are cleared.

Third Priority

Local industrial roadways are cleared.

Fourth Priority

Residential streets and alleys are bladed to level snowpack.Painted bike lanes are cleared at the same time as the closest street.

Methods

Several methods are used to keep roads in good winter driving condition.

Sanding

The City applies a mix of sand, salt and liquid calcium chloride to roads and walkways as required to maintain traction and/or melt snow and ice. The exact mix varies according to temperature and conditions.

After heavy snows, city neighbourhoods are bladed to a 5 cm snow pack after arterial and collector roads are cleared. Alleys are bladed before front streets. When activated, the Residential Blading Cycles begin on the same day each run.

As part of a pilot project, anti-icer (a calcium chloride solution with an added corrosion inhibitor) is applied to about half of Edmonton’s arterial and collector roads before snowfall. The product prevents the snow from sticking to the pavement, helping the roads to stay clear longer, and making snow removal easier.